Denver: Pot-loving 420 Rally this weekend, but beware at airports

Tens of thousands turned out April 20 at last year's 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver. Last year the event was marred by gunfire that injured three people.

Tens of thousands turned out April 20 at last year's 420 Rally at Civic Center Park in Denver. Last year the event was marred by gunfire that injured three people. (Brennan Linsley / Associated Press)

Mary ForgioneDaily Deal and Travel Blogger

If you're celebrating Easter this weekend in Denver, you might also ingest a bit of the city's pot-celebrating 420 Rally that has been expanded to a two-day event this year.

The 420 Rally, once an underground event but now very much above ground, embraces Colorado's Amendment 64, which legalized recreational marijuana use when it was signed itno law last year.

The 420 Rally has been around since the 1970s and describes itself as "a cannabis culture music featival." It walks a fine line because, despite the law that allows people 21 and older to use pot, public use is still illegal.

"Our goal is to create a positive environment for users to share stories, learn about the industry and create informed opinions on the remaining issues facing the industry,” rally organizer Miguel Lopez says in a statement.

Last year, three people were injured when gunfire erupted at the event in Civic Center Park.

Among tips for festival-goers on 420 Rally's website: radiate positivity, share (though it never says what exactly), respect the city park with a "leave no trace" ethic, and get involved by talking with vendors about the issues.

What about the ritual of lighting up at 4:20 p.m. on 4/20 (the origins of which are murky): It's still illegal so it will be discouraged.

Travelers need to know that federal law still bans possession of pot. Colorado Springs and Aspen/Pitkin County airports have put up "amnesty boxes" in terminals so fliers can get rid of marijuana they may have inadvertantly carried in.